L4240 GST vs L4400 HST

[Jklatham]

About to pull the trigger on a new tractor. Initially was looking at an L3400, but after reading this board and talking to everyone I could think of, I convinced myself (and my wife) that I'd never regret the extra power. Local dealer has a L4240 GST that he's selling cheaper than a L4400 HST. Will be using tractor for loader work as well as bush hogging, grading driveway (1.2 miles long), moving trees, stumps, firewood etc. I know the 4240 is a nicer tractor but also have been convinced that I need an HST. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I've bought 7 Kubotas in 5 years. All HST's. I have had and do have an FEL and to me the HST is the only way to go if your going to do much FEL work. Also if your time is worth anything. Also FEL work with a HST is fun! Not work. Most FEL jobs are back and forth and back and forth and back and forth. Just think about it, with FEL your right hand rests on the FEL controller and your left hand is on the steering wheel. Which hand operates shift? Your foot does with HST. Just one mans opinion.

 

[SCtractorguy]

Sheesh, hard one.

I really like the HST more than any thing but the Grand L's are just the Cadillac's! (IMO)

I love my 3240 hst.

 

[medicshawn]

I love my HST. You might look and see if you can find a 4240 somewhere else with a HST, Or a 3940. Just compare loader lift capacity and PTO HP. Unless you plan to change tractors in a couple of years I'd make sure I got what I wanted the first time.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Coming from an old Massey MF35 with loader the L3130GST is a Cadillac. I wanted something that would pull good and hard for pulling plows or logs and also do loader work. With the shuttle transmission on the GST it was a good middle ground but there are sometimes when I am doing close in work the HST would be nice. The benefits and differences of a Grand L are a lot over the L and I think they are a better value. I say go drive the thing and see how you like it. When I drive mine I just set to a higher idle for the quicker loader response and shift the GST lever and work the accelerator up from the idle. You can go up through the gears and the GST will take care of the clutching and shifting by itself with proper timing.

David Kb7uns

 

[mikescruggs]

I just went from a Challenger 265B with backhoe to a Kubota L4240HST. What a change. Well worth it for the HST. I tried the GST and HST and have to admit I am still reaching for the shifter and trying to step on the gas. On the L4240 I keep the anti-stall feature on and only use the right foot pedal for speed and direction (I keep the RPM on the throttle lever). I don't know what the pricing differences are. My dealer found a L4240HST at previous pricing and it was not much more than the GST he had on the lot. I did not drive the L4400 for any comparison. From my research I felt the Grand L was the best route.

Mike